Community Forums

42willys · 03-28-2017, 04:53 PM

Interstate also is a quality battery.

Texastbird · 03-28-2017, 05:05 PM

Just for the record, my 2012 GMC Duramax is still going strong on the original batteries. Change them if you want for peace of mind, but I have seen brand new batteries crater out for no apparent reason.

42willys · 03-28-2017, 06:16 PM

I have not read thru all of this but you could get your batteries load tested to see the shape they are in.

spock123 · 03-28-2017, 08:11 PM

My 2012 Silverado 3500 Dmax lasted four years, well one got weak and I replaced both.

Gigattime · 03-28-2017, 10:28 PM

I've been very happy with genuine parts for our F350. You may want to consider a GM replacement IMO. Do one at a time like others have shared and you will be fine.

We got 5 years out of our current set-up. Just replaced over the winter due to cold cranking not as strong as it used to be. :0)

Wundertaker · 03-29-2017, 09:14 AM

I'm the original poster... Someone asked me how I know I need new batts. Well, when your diesel Duramax sits in the garage and the temp never gets below 30 during the winter, you get in, turn the key and the engine cranks over once and then click click...Houston, we have a problem. When the engine is warm, no problem. You should still be able to start the engine at 30 degrees without issue. A new vacationing season is upon us and I want to start with a new fresh set of "Juice"! 2013 Chevy Duramax with original batts..truck is in great shape, new to me, runs great. I got this beast for such a great deal that $500 for new batts is no biggy...we all know that batts die at the most inopportune time..don't want to go through that...too many s'mores to eat and fish to catch. Peace of mind is worth a lot to me...but hey, maybe I'm just a little "strange"

mrgrayaz · 03-29-2017, 09:53 AM

On that note: I'm running Walmart - are they high quality? most likely not. Is there a Walmart in every city that will warranty them? Yep.

Pulled into the Bozeman Walmart with the Trailer still hitched to get a new battery this summer, under warranty. No problem.

RichR · 03-29-2017, 10:12 AM

spot on Wundertaker, one thing I learned on having my first diesel is you don't want to have a jump from another truck/car. New batteries are the way to go always and in pairs.

diesel2121 · 03-30-2017, 04:44 AM

Energizer! That bunny never stops. .

Texastbird · 03-30-2017, 08:25 AM

I'd charge the batteries fully with a battery charger, then take the truck and have the charging system and batteries checked out at the same time. Only takes a few minutes and a lot of places will do it for free if you are planning to buy their batteries anyway.

Airmech · 04-01-2017, 07:41 PM

Don't know if you made a decision yet, but my used truck came with 2 optima batteries that were installed in 11 and they are still going strong. I know these are probably the most expensive option but as an owner, they are great and will start my truck every time in the cold Wisconsin winters. Just one man's opinion.

garbonz · 04-01-2017, 08:23 PM

It all depends on how the truck was used. Being new to the truck and with the symptoms, it is reasonable to change them out. Good luck. The duramax is awesome

drdarrin · 04-01-2017, 08:47 PM

Strange timing on this thread. I've been getting a check engine light on my 2012 Ram, off an on, for the last couple weeks. The code reader showed 562. Last Thursday, click, click nothing. Turned off everything. Tried it again and it fired up. Needless to say, stopped at Auto Zone and had them check it. DS battery was 10.7 and we couldn't find a date on it. PS battery was 12.7 with a 14/11 date code and tested good. One new battery and life is back to normal. It's been a while since I bought a 12v battery. $210 installed.

vsheetz · 04-01-2017, 08:49 PM

NAPA has good commercial heavy duty batteries. Just put a pair of group 31's in our Motorhome. $125 each. Save $10 by ordering online and pickup in store.